South Dural planning proposal will not proceed

Hornsby Shire Council has halted its evaluation of the South Dural Planning Proposal until an infrastructure plan is prepared with the support of the NSW Government.

At last night’s meeting Council voted unanimously for a motion that was put forward by Hornsby Shire Mayor Steve Russell, ending the assessment.

“From the very beginning we have been concerned by the increase in traffic this proposed development would cause, particularly on New Line Road and Old Northern Road which are already overburdened,” Mayor Russell said.

“We have always said that we will not allow this to move forward unless the Government is by our side with infrastructure funding that will make it feasible.

“There is still no certainty that funding will be provided and we are halting the process until it is forthcoming.

“Housing affordability is at crisis point and more development is a major part of the solution, but that cannot possibly proceed unless the infrastructure is there to support it.

“We know we are not alone in this view, as there were close to 5,000 submissions objecting to the proposal.”

Council will now seek an urgent meeting with the Government and Hills Council to develop an infrastructure funding plan.

“Even without the South Dural Planning Proposal those roads are in a terrible shape,” Mayor Russell said.

“Yet the Government continues to allow more developments to the west that place even more stress on our roads.”

“Therefore, Council will ask the Government not to progress any planning proposals in the Hills, Hawkesbury or Blacktown council areas that will increase traffic on the affected roads.

“The road network throughout the entire region is struggling and we all need to work together to find a solution.”